Northampton Exiles remain in the relegation mix after a six-wicket defeat against Old Albanian in Herts Cricket League Division Three.

After choosing to bat on a good pitch, Exiles were in early trouble and were reduced to 14 for six.

The introduction of Adrian Browne (45) provided some substance to the innings and he was supported by Harit Patel (17) as Exiles managed to reach 105 all out.

In reply, Old Albanian openers Alf Rehman (19) and Azhat Mahmood (64) took their side to the brink of victory with a partnership of 86.

Mehul Shah (two for 33) managed to make the breakthrough and he and Harit Patel (two for 19) caused a mini-collapse.

However, Albanian reached their target with relative ease. It was a similar story for Northampton Exiles Seconds as they were beaten by 155-runs against Hatfield Hyde Seconds in Division Eight.

With the bat, Hatfield had posted an impressive total of 106 for nine. Corin Hosier (six for 47) was the pick of the Exiles bowlers and there was a wicket apeice for Yagnesh Patel, Sanjay Senior and Mohammed Ashiq.

Losing a wicket to the first ball of the game, Exiles were at one stage 23 for eight as Saunders (four for 22) and Humail (five for 16) proved too much for the batsmen.

Only Vinal Patel (20) made it into double figures for Northampton as they were skittled for just 41.

There were better fortunes for Exiles Thirds as they recorded a four-wicket win against Met Police Bushey Thirds in Division 11.

In a team performance, each of the four Exiles bowlers took wickets. Stand-in skipper Zain Mughal (four for 25) returned the best figures as Met Police were all out for 105.

Exiles batsmen were also tested, with only Imran Adil (21) and Richard Cashman (21) getting past 20 as they reached their target for the loss of six wickets. In cup action, Northampton Exiles were beaten by 104-runs by to Montenotte in the Micky Plum Memorial Trophy.

Montenotte's innings of 283 six was dominated by Whyte (119).

With the bat, Exiles were given a bright start by Mark Chakravarti (82), who received good support from Paul Frost (16) and Krishan Naik (23).

But the middle order failed to build on the start and their innings came to an end on 179.